Papier 14 is a contemporary art fair in Montreal featuring the work of a hundred artists from around the world, many of them from Canada. But this year saw something remarkable at the stand belonging to the gallery owner Stephen Bulger. To the surprise of everyone, a few days before the festival it was announced that one would be able to discover fifteen photographs taken by Henri Cartier-Bresson showing Quebec in the 1960s. Another forty images, unveiled by demand, added to the pleasure. We were quickly tempted to ask: where did these photographs come from and how have they remained unknown until now?
Following an interview with Mr. Bulger, we learned that in May 1965 the French photographer received an official commission by the National Film Board of Canada to spend a month in Quebec. It’s still difficult to trace his journey since the photographs bear no captions apart from the city and region where they were taken. All we know is that he went to the Thedford Mines in the Appalachian County, visited several regions and cities, photographed life in Quebec, and that he met with a few national celebrities like the hockey player Claude Provost. Research is currently underway to identify the people and places.
Read the full article on the French version of L’Oeil de la Photographie.
The Stephen Bulger Gallery
1026 Queen Street West
Toronto ON M6J 1H6
Canada
[email protected]
www.bulgergallery.com
Tuesday to Saturday 11am-6pm
